Playing golf on windy days: tactical advice

Wind is not an occasional inconvenience; it is a strategic variable that reshapes every shot. Learning how to play golf in windy conditions not only reduces mistakes, but also expands your tactical repertoire and improves decision-making under pressure. On open and exposed courses, mastering these conditions makes the difference between damage control and playing with genuine competitive intent.

Wind as a strategic factor

Before focusing on technique, one key premise must be accepted: wind does not affect all shots or all players equally. Its impact depends on ball height, spin rate, time spent in the air and the immediate surroundings of the hole. For this reason, playing golf in windy conditions is not about intuitive corrections, but about informed decisions from tee to green.

1. Reading the wind: beyond feel

Physical perception is unreliable. Effective wind reading relies on stable visual references:

• Movement of flags, low trees and vegetation.
• Sea foam or airborne particles in exposed areas.
• Changes in intensity caused by terrain and hole orientation.

2. Club selection: less loft, more control

Into a headwind, the optimal strategy is to take more club and reduce trajectory. Downwind, the ball flies farther and stops less than its carry distance suggests.

• Headwind: more club, controlled swing.
• Tailwind: less club, manage total distance.
• Crosswind: prioritise landing area over the flag.

Excessive loft increases spin and height, amplifying drift.

3. Low trajectory: the controlled shot

A low shot is not defensive; it is efficient in demanding conditions:

• Ball slightly back in the stance.
• Weight favouring the lead side.
• Short, balanced finish.

This impact reduces wind influence and improves repeatability.

4. Crosswinds: playing with margin

Lateral wind requires strategic discipline:

• Always aim for the safe side of greens or fairways.
• Avoid forced shots with exaggerated shape.
• Use the wind to extend or slow the ball, not to fight it.

The objective is not to eliminate dispersion, but to control it.

5. Short game and putting: the quiet advantage

When wind is present, decisive shots are played around the green:

• Prioritise low-running shots over high ones.
• On the greens, adopt a wider base and firmer stroke.
• Targeting the centre of the green is often the most profitable option.

Keeping the ball on the ground removes the most unpredictable variable of the day.

6. Mental management: accepting variability

Wind introduces unavoidable dispersion. The difference between solid and poor results lies in decision-making:

• Adjust scoring expectations.
• Play percentages and avoid heroics.
• Maintain consistent routines and tempo.

Conservative strategy reduces score variance.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to swing harder to fight the wind?

No. Increasing speed without control raises spin and height, worsening wind effects. Lower trajectory and solid contact are more effective.

Does wind affect long and short shots equally?

No. Long shots are more sensitive due to longer flight time, but in the short game wind becomes critical if the ball is lifted unnecessarily. Hence the preference for running shots.

How does wind affect putting?

Wind does not directly influence roll, but it affects player stability and visual perception. In strong gusts, a wider stance and firmer stroke are recommended.

Should course strategy change on windy days?

Yes. Wind increases the penalty for errors. Playing to wider targets, avoiding risky pins and accepting the centre of the green reduces total strokes over time.

Mastering the wind is mastering the course. Those who learn to play golf in windy conditions turn demanding days into tactical opportunities. Accurate reading, controlled trajectories, intelligent club selection and realistic mental management allow for stronger performance even when conditions are challenging.

At Golf Alcanada, the wind is an integral part of the experience. Our facilities are designed to reward strategy, reading the terrain, and making smart decisions. The course offers the ideal setting to put these principles into practice and understand golf in its most authentic form.

So, if you are interested in playing on our courses, don’t hesitate to contact us through our website.